Howard Sills

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

School system makes statement after Barrow County shooting

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
In response to a tragic incident in a Barrow County high school today, Putnam County Charter School System officials released a statement on its social media page reaffirming the school system’s commitment to keeping students and staff safe.“We are closely monitoring the situation and are actively...
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Passenger killed in single-vehicle wreck

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
The Labor Day holiday weekend was marred by tragedy Friday night when an Eatonton man lost his life in a single-vehicle crash.Residents along Scott Road reported hearing a loud boom and then losing their electrical power around 10:30 p.m. According to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, a 2007...
Tommy Lee Kell barricaded himself in the attic of his house and threatened a shoot-out with the officers. (CONTRIBUTED)

Tommy Lee Kell barricaded himself in the attic of his house and threatened a shoot-out with the officers. (CONTRIBUTED)

UPDATE: Teargas ends Sparta Hwy. standoff peacefully

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
A standoff between law enforcement authorities and a wanted man lasted about two hours Thursday, July 11, on the 200 block of Sparta Highway in Eatonton.
Eulalio De Leon Aldana

Eulalio De Leon Aldana

Tip leads to possible trafficking victim

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
A young woman forced to stay in a hot car all day, every day, is suspected by local authorities of being a human trafficking victim, and a joint effort was made to get her to safety.“It’s the first time that we’ve dealt with an international matter like this,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills...
The driver of this Toyota Corolla was killed when the car crashed straighton into the Budget Rental box truck Friday afternoon on the Sparta Highway. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

The driver of this Toyota Corolla was killed when the car crashed straighton into the Budget Rental box truck Friday afternoon on the Sparta Highway. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

Eatonton father killed in head-on collision

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
An Eatonton father was apparently killed in a head-on collision Friday, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.Terence Butts, 45, of Eatonton, died in the crash that happened around 3:45 p.m. May 17.
Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills shows the samurai sword that was used in a recent attack on a man and his vehicle. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills shows the samurai sword that was used in a recent attack on a man and his vehicle. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Sword-swinging man jailed for aggravated assault

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
An Eatonton man is in jail after he tried to attack someone with a samurai sword, according to authorities.The Putnam County 911 center received a call Saturday afternoon that a man with a sword, later identified as Stephen Wheeler, was keeping another man from leaving a residence on Crooked Creek...
Russell and Shirley Dermond (File Photo)

Russell and Shirley Dermond (File Photo)

New evidence discovered in decade-old murders

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The widely discussed and reported case of the murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond may still be unsolved on its 10th anniversary, but it is in no way a cold case.Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills continues to not only think about the case every day but also explore every possible avenue of...
Long-time Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills (left) pictured with Dr. Rakesh Kumar (right). IAN TOCHER/Staff

Long-time Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills (left) pictured with Dr. Rakesh Kumar (right). IAN TOCHER/Staff

Kumar trades 44 years at PGH for ‘spiritual upliftment’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Following a 44-year career at Putnam General Hospital (PGH), Dr. Rakesh Kumar officially retired on Monday, with his departure marked by a simple but heartfelt ceremony and buffet held in the hospital’s cafeteria space.Among the well-wishing attendees were Putnam County Commission Chairman Bill...
The windshield of this Ford Ranger, driven by a 24-year-old Sparta man, was damaged when a tree fell on it while he was traveling on Pea Ridge Road. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The windshield of this Ford Ranger, driven by a 24-year-old Sparta man, was damaged when a tree fell on it while he was traveling on Pea Ridge Road. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Gusty winds pummel Putnam last week

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 18, 2024
High winds wreaked havoc in Putnam County last week, causing significant damage, man hours, and inconvenience.
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